Dickinson Country Club

Editor's Note: Course Closed For Business.

Big Jim Ed Robbins built this 9-holer along the banks of Dickinson Bayou back in the 1940s, and this flat, easy course still survives and thrives today despite being surrounded by more modern tracks. Jim Ed's design features skinny, tree-lined fairways and well-conditioned greens. Water is in play on four or five holes, but not a major issue.

However, in the heart of the nine, Nos. 6 and 7-both par 5s-stand out because of the water. No. 6 requires a precarious tee shot over water to a landing area that backs into more water, so you don't have the luxury of missing a shot on this one. The 7th is a bit longer and also features an approach shot over the drink.

The club policy mandates members-only weekends, so call ahead to see if they might be open for a walk-on if the only time you're around is on a weekend. As always in the small towns, you can pay once and play all day, and they have two sets of tees for a different look the second time around.

Getting there : From Houston, take I-45 south and travel 20 miles Dickinson. Turn left onto Hwy. 517 south and drive 2.5 miles to the course.